Marianne Delorey

Our Roots are One

By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. “A tree’s beauty lies in its branches, but its strength lies in its roots”  – Mashona Dhilwayo  Meet Karen and Priscilla, sisters...
Building homes from shipping containers is a growing trend due to their lower cost as well as durability.

Shipping container homes becoming a lower-cost housing option

By Sharon Oliver, Contributing Writer REGION - An abode is described as a place of residence, a house or home. The type of structure for...
The goal of Green House Project facilities like the Leonard Florence Center in Chelsea is to “create a habitat for human beings rather than facilities for the frail and elderly.” Photo/submitted

Green House Project offers an alternative to traditional nursing homes

By David Wilkening, Contributing Writer CHELSEA - When Steve McAlilly left his Mississippi home for a Leading Age convention in Los Angeles more than two...

Back in my day

By Marianne Delorey “Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth.”  – J.K. Rowling Tension between the generations is natural. Even young toddlers need to...

Planting the seed

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Proverb When people think of planning for their later years, they think about saving for retirement. This is great, but it is not enough. Planting a tree requires thinking about water, soil and sun. People have more diverse needs. They need food, clothing, shelter, and health care. But they also need to fill their psychological needs. Some need something to do, a purpose in being, a goal. This may be harder to plan for, but it is important none the less.

If not grace…

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I think often of what it means to age gracefully. Of the hundreds of elders I have met, I am most awed by those who make aging well seem so easy. One of my role models is Janice. Janice puts herself together every day. Her outfit is matched and her hair is coiffed. She is the quintessential lady. She doesn't have an unkind word for anyone. She is upbeat and forward-thinking. She is sharp as a tack and attentive and engaging in conversation. This month she turns 105 years old.

Best towns in Central Mass. for retirees

By Marianne Delorey Everyone seems to take a stab at rating communities on different criteria.  A simple search on “best places” helps people decide where...

Good fences make good neighbors

Robert Frost once wrote a poem called “Mending Wall” in which the property line between neighbors brings them together and yet keeps them apart. This seeming contradiction is seen every day in elder housing. The best neighbors come together in times of need, but are aware of their own limits, or boundaries in the relationship.

Camellia Gardens

A warm, safe all-inclusive independent living community By Lauren Schiffman, Contributing Writer  Maynard - Situated near a currently-under construction shopping center, Camellia Gardens in Maynard is...
A spacious clubhouse is one of the amenities at Chauncy Lake, a Del Webb 55-plus community in Westborough. Photo/Submitted

55-plus housing communities offer maintenance-free living in an intimate social setting

By Colin McCandless, Contributing Writer REGION - Fifty-five-plus communities, also known as active adult communities, offer another potential housing option for older adults to consider...